The Rugby Championship kicks off for 2017 this weekend, starting with old foes New Zealand and Australia facing off in a match that doubles as the first of the three-match Bledisloe Cup series. So where will the two matches be played, what time do they kick off, and who will feature?

Unbeaten fighter Floyd Mayweather has promised to repay any losses talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel suffers if he loses his fight against Conor McGregor.

Chris Froome opted for a lower-key start to his season at Victoria's Herald-Sun Tour, while it proved too difficult for Mark Cavendish to fit the Adelaide Tour into his schedule.

Sagan, Vincenzo Nibali and Nairo Quintana all decided to race instead at the Tour of San Luis in Argentina.

But at the end of the race, Turtur promised a pleasant surprise or two for next January's edition.

"We've delivered on that with Sagan and obviously Chavez - they're two quality riders," Turtur said.

"But just as important, they're really popular with the fans.

"The way they race, the way they present themselves - everything about them is an attraction.

"To have them both on the start line is going to be a real bonus."

Sagan will also be the fourth reigning world champion to wear cycling's celebrated rainbow stripe jersey at the Tour Down Under.

The 2010 field remains the benchmark for Tour lineups, given it featured Cadel Evans as the reigning world champion along with Lance Armstrong and Alejandro Valverde, while Sagan was also racing as a young professional.

Turtur said next January's field would be among the top five in race history.

He was also philosophical about the lack of an overseas marquee name or two this year.

"It was just one of those years where, because of different circumstances, we missed out," he said.

"Next year will be back to where we should be."

He expects Froome, a regular visitor to Australia, will again start his season at the Herald-Sun Tour.

"I fully understand where he's coming from and I respect his decision, of course," Turtur said.